Easter: Celebration or Tradition?
Anytime a major holiday or celebration like Easter rolls around, all the favorite traditions roll around as well. The tangible nostalgia attached to our precious traditions typically secures them a top spot on the to do lists. Traditions are fun - they not only evoke memories, they create them. One of my girls is deeply connected to our traditions, and they bring tremendous joy to her heart.
Christmas takes the cake in the traditions department in our house, but reality . . . birthdays, Mothers/Fathers Day, 4th of July, Thanksgiving . . . they ALL come with their very own unique traditions and pressures to be outrageously cute and creative, and make it the most memorable. holiday. EVER!!
With all that going on, it’s not hard to lose sight of the actual reason we are celebrating.
Even though it’s Easter, let’s look to the well-known story of Mary and Martha. These 2 sisters were hosting Jesus, and as you can imagine, there were some preparations going on. They were baking and cleaning, cooking and preparing linens . . . all the things.
However, when Jesus arrives, things change. Mary stops what she’s doing to sit and listen to Jesus speak. This is significant in a number of ways. First off - women were typically not a part of the inner circle of these kinds of teachings. Mary’s boldness and Jesus’s heart for women made this a unique opportunity for both Mary & Martha. Second - middle eastern tradition valued hospitality. Taking care of your guests was a sign of honor and respect, so for Mary to abandon tradition in order to give all of her attention to Jesus, was unusual. Third - a set up like this is just asking for a sibling battle to ensue. As Mary sat, Martha continued tending to the house, obviously frustrated.
In Luke 10:40, Martha even asks Jesus to take note. She says “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” She told on her sister . . . to Jesus! But Jesus says to her, “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed- or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Mary knew what was important that night. She did not let culture or traditions or the desire to have everything perfect get in the way of the truly special thing that was taking place that night. She was content to just let it all go and listen to her Lord. Martha was so wrapped up in keeping everything in order, making sure all the things were taken care of, that she completely lost sight of the most important thing in her house. . . Jesus.
Hearing him speak and giving her all to him would have calmed her down, filled her up, and everything would have been just fine. All that needed to get done would have gotten done. Absolutely nothing was more important in that moment than just being still with Jesus.
As we head into glorious Spring & Easter festivities, please do not let the chaos of tradition cloud the incredible miracle that this holiday celebrates. Jesus gave his life for you, for me, for all of us. He is love, he is kindness, he is the perfect picture of true sacrifice. This outrageous act of love forever thwarted the plans of the devil in our lives and placed within us the power of the Almighty God. Never forget that.
Honor his gift with your attention, your intention, your actions, and your words. Place your focus on Him, seat yourself at His feet, let go of chaos and fix your eyes on him. Remind your children, your family, your friends, remind yourself - Easter is a celebration of love and sacrifice.
Yes, take your cutsie Easter pics, yes go have Egg Hunts, engorge yourself in candy and yummy brunch, and enjoy the company of your family. But when you find yourself stressing about those things, and giving all that lovable nonsense center stage, take a step back, take a deep breath . . . and let it all go.
Lift your gaze to the one that loves you, and whose eyes are always fixed on you.
Happy, Happy Easter!
He. Is. RISEN!